Award-winning Gibbston Valley Winery raised $14,550
for national charity Cure Kids at a Gala Dinner and Charity
Auction held at the winery last Saturday September 21.

The
event, which took place in the winery’s Barrel Hall, was
widely attended by locals and visitors who also celebrated
the release of the winery’s 2012 Single Vineyard Pinot
Noir, making them the first to try the new
vintage.

Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt said it was
a “magical night of incredible wine, food, entertainment
and charity”.

“I’m very proud to host an event that
both celebrates our wine and supports an amazing charity,”
said Mr Hunt.

This is the second consecutive year that the
winery has held a charity auction in combination with their
gala dinner to support the charity. Over the two years a
staggering $33,000 has been raised at the event with all
proceeds benefiting Cure Kids.

Cure Kids CEO Vicki Lee
said said Queenstown was a “very special place” for Cure
Kids.

“Every single day we’re driven to find cures for
life-threatening illnesses that affect so many of our kids
and we couldn’t do it without the support of organisations
like Gibbston Valley Winery,” said Mrs Lee.

“We’re
very fortunate to work alongside so many generous businesses
in this beautiful part of the country.”

Izzy, who lives with Acute
Lymphoblastic Leukemia - ALL and is currently in remission,
spoke about her experiences and explained to guests how Cure
Kids’ research saved her life and its potential impact for
others.

“I became a Cure Kids ambassador to raise
awareness and to try and help kids who have been diagnosed
today with life threatening illnesses by helping to raise
money for research,” said Ms Kloogh.

Guests dug-deep on
the evening wildly biding for the amazing auction items
which included rare and large-format bottles of wine donated
by Gibbston Valley Winery, a Winter Collection Dress donated
by Claire Bloom and various accommodation and attraction
packages donated by local businesses.

In addition to the charity auction, the
black-tie event featured a five-course degustation menu and
wine pairing as well as entertainment from New Zealand
entertainer Peter Urlich, who is also a Cure Kids
supporter.

“We’re delighted with the outcome of the
entire evening,” said Mr Hunt.

“It was an amazing
opportunity for us to introduce our new 2012 single vineyard
pinot noirs while also supporting an incredible
charity.”

“To see our wine draw people from around the
country and help benefit a good cause is an incredible
success for the entire team here at Gibbston Valley,” said
Mr
Hunt.

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